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The Flintlock, 1877 Victorian Townhouse, This Content is too Wholesome, Knot Having It.
Food Highlight 🍽 The Flintlock 🍽
North Staffordshire lad Thom Bateman has had a squiggly rise to fame in chefdom. A Head Chef at a Latin American restaurant at 18 (I think I remember this place), a 10 year hiatus from food and a surge to stardom on social media and BBCs Great British Menu. You’ll likely have seen his food videos on TikTok or Instagram adorned with a well-kept North Staffordshire accent.
The Flintlock is his first restaurant (a second is on the way at the same site) and holds 2 AA rosettes and is in the Michelin guide.
Driving out towards Leek, you’ll find The Flintlock on the canal in Cheddleton. When I went it was pouring with rain, so going inside was like stepping into another world. I wasn’t around in the 80s, but it had this cool 80s feel with lots of polished wood and comfortable lounging seats in the waiting area. The cocktails were excellent and comfortably the best I’ve had locally.
Stepping into the restaurant, which is pretty big, I was pleasantly surprised to see it full on a Thursday night. Not too loud, but with a mix of music and chatter, just loud enough to feel an ambience but not so loud you have to shout at each other all night. The whole meal was very good and whilst on the “fine” end of dining, it wasn’t pretentious, nor was it just a forkful of food. The bread was memorable along with different butters. I had celeriac and fish, which were both elegant and full of flavour. The food is rich, that seems to be Thom’s style, yet still left me wanting more. You can grab some top wine too.
Excellent spot for any foodie and a good celebration venue. For more regular visits, the Sunday Lunch option looks strong, albeit I can’t vouch… yet.
PROPERTY 🏡
Como Villa, ST5, Newcastle. 1877 Semi-Detached Victorian Townhouse. Those Minton tiles and the finish on this property are just… wow.
KNOT HAVING IT ❌
Not having how wholesome this content is. Robbie Williams asking someone in Tunstall what street they grew up on and artist Jaz Simpson feeding a miniature oatcake to a very cute dog.
FRIENDS OF THE KNOT 👋🏼
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Please could you reinsert the link for Jaz Simpson? I really want to the see the combination of cute dog and oatcake